Since being here in London, I have noticed that public transportation and knowing how to navigate it is BEYOND important. However, I'll admit it is completely overwhelming the first time around. I mean com'n have you seen a map of the tube (train system), if not here is a picture of it to show you what I mean.
Confusing and scary, right?
Well for anybody who is thinking about going to London in the future, I hope this post helps you as I go through my top ten tips to London's public transit!
Tip 1: Do yourself a favor and get the Citymapper app on your phone! Citymapper will tell you exactly what tube line and bus to get on and when with updates in real time. Also, if you are on a tight budget the app will tell you how much your trip will cost you!
Tip 2: The Tube and buses DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT, take cash! They take Oyster Cards (which are kind of like public transit gift cards that you load money onto), paper Travelcards, or forms of contactless pay. Travelcards can be bought and Oyster cards topped up at any tube station!
Tip 3: Tapping in and out of public transport! On the bus and in the tub stations, you'll see these little yellow pads with a little amber light in the left-hand corner. When entering a bus or tube station, you have to tap that little yellow pad with your Oyster card or contactless pay card to pay for transit (the amber light will turn green when you've paid). Hence tapping in! For tube stations specifically, not buses, YOU ALSO HAVE TO TAP OUT when you are leaving your final station (if you are just changing platforms at a station you usually do not have to tap out just yet). If you have a paper Travelcard, you'll just show the bus driver your pass; for the tube you slide it through the little slot below the yellow pad and take it when it pops back out (if it doesn't pop back out your card is done)!
Tip 4: Beware of bus numbers! Say you need to get on bus number 55 to get back home, easy right? Yeah funny thing is there are at least eight different bus number 55's all going different directions. Along with the number on the front of the bus is the final location where the bus terminates, so double check with bus is heading towards you stop! I will admit I have definitely gotten on the wrong bus a couple of times. (Citymapper will help with this!)
Tip 5: Buses don't always stop at every station they are supposed to! If you are waiting at a station and see a big red double-decker with your bus number on it heading your way, you have to hale it like you would a cab otherwise the driver might not stop. If you are on the bus, you'll notice a bunch of red "Stop" buttons throughout the vehicle. After the stop directly before yours, you have to press that button so that the driver knows that you need to get off at the next station otherwise they may not stop.
Tip 6: Follow the signs! Tube stations always seem like a crazy mess especially during rush hour (avoid if you can during that time, the trains are wall to wall with people); however, the lovely tube people try to make it as easy as possible by having signs and maps of specific lines every where. So don't sweat it and just follow the signs! (P.S. the tube is really hot so you might sweat just a little)
Tip 7: Escalators... So I'm bringing this up here because the place that I have run into it the most is in tube stations. It is actually a common courtesy here in London that when you want to just stand and ride the escalate that you do so on the right side. The left side is for people who wish to walk the escalators. I know it might sound weird, but they are strict about it; you will definitely get a loud sigh in your ear and perhaps a little nudge if you are standing on the left side of the escalator.
Tip 8: Think you have balance? Think again! The buses and tube alike are fast and really bumpy! If you are not sitting I definitely recommend holding onto a bar/pole and using that wide stance.
Tip 9: If you are one of those weird people that likes to talk to random strangers on public transit, please don't. Talking is completely socially acceptable, but to people you know. Public transit here is like a place of solitude, everybody just wants to get where they are going and that is it.
Tip 10: Watch your time! The tube does not run as late as you think it does, so please plan ahead if you are going out for the night! The tube generally runs until midnight Monday through Saturday and only until 11:00 on Sundays. However, there are some night buses that also run throughout the city. The bus stops should have a sign indicating the numbers and Citymapper should be able to with this too.
BONUS TIP: Enjoy the walk! Even though this post is mainly about public transportation, your feet are still an important part of getting around the city. Sometimes your bus stop is a bit down the road or your tube stop isn't exactly at your destination's door step. London is a beautiful city and a nice walk is just as good as public transportation, so enjoy the view!
Well if you are traveling to London soon, I hope these tips made you less anxious about getting around the city! If you have any questions prior to going, please feel free to reach out!